This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On July 16, 2019, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) issued a statement to banks, notifying them of the Betting Control and Licensing Board's (BCLB) failure to renew the operating licences of certain bookmakers and lottery operators for the period July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2020.
The list of entities whose licences have not been renewed was attached to the statement, which read: 'This is to bring to your attention that the BCLB has not renewed the operating licences of certain bookmakers and lottery operators for the period July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2020. Please find attached, the list of entities whose licences have not been renewed for your information.'
With no permits, the 27 betting and gaming companies are operating illegally in the country and will not be allowed to enjoy banking services, a critical component in their operations.
On July 10, the BCLB had ordered telcos to shut down the paybill numbers and short codes of the 27 companies, whose licences are yet to be renewed, effectively crippling the multibillion-shilling industry and leaving about 600 jobs at stake.
